Halloween – The Beginning (directed by Rob Zombie, 2007)
The work in question is a remake of the classic 1978 horror film, “Halloween,” directed by John Carpenter. Rob Zombie has put his personal touch on this, creating a more intense and violent version of the original story. It is worth noting and quoting what Rob Zombie himself stated regarding the definition of a “remake” of such an iconic and influential work as Carpenter’s first “Halloween”:
“This is a new Halloween. Call it a remake\reboot\prequel, update, reimagining or whatever you want, but one thing is certain: it is a new beginning completely separate from the series. That’s what interested me about the project.”
(Rob Zombie)
The film can be ideally divided into two parts: the first part follows the youth of Michael Myers, showing his turbulent childhood and the first indications of his sadistic tendencies. Rob Zombie delves into Michael’s family, depicting a violent and dysfunctional environment in which the young boy grows up. This section of the film provides a deeper look into the dark origins of Michael Myers, attempting to explain his motivations behind the murders he commits.
The second part of the film focuses on Laurie Strode and her friends, who become victims of Michael Myers when he escapes from the asylum and returns to Haddonfield. Laurie, portrayed by Scout Taylor-Compton, is a young woman who finds herself caught in a living nightmare as Michael begins to hunt her and her friends. The film highlights Laurie’s attempt to survive Michael’s onslaught and her journey to confront her dark past.
Rob Zombie chose to give a new interpretation to several key characters from the original story. For example, Dr. Samuel Loomis, portrayed by Malcolm McDowell, is depicted as a more controversial and ambiguous therapist compared to the original version. This adds a layer of complexity to the plot, as Laurie Strode discovers that Dr. Loomis has written a successful book about the case of Michael Myers, exploiting the tragedy for his personal gain.
A Note on Some Cast Members
The film features a talented cast, including Malcolm McDowell in the role of Dr. Samuel Loomis, Michael Myers’ therapist, and Tyler Mane as Michael Myers himself. Tyler Mane’s performance is particularly impressive, conveying the ferocity and brutality of the character.
Sheri Moon Zombie (wife of director Rob Zombie) portrays Deborah Myers, Michael Myers’ mother.
Daeg Faerch portrays the young Michael Myers in the first part of the film, focused on his childhood. Faerch delivers an impressive portrayal of the young Michael, showing the early signs of his violent nature.
Scout Taylor-Compton portrays Laurie Strode, the female lead of the film.
Dee Wallace (an iconic actress in the horror genre, known for her roles in films such as “The Hills Have Eyes,” “The Howling,” as well as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”) portrays Cynthia Strode, Laurie’s adoptive mother.
Final Thoughts
The film is remembered for its extremely graphic and disturbing violence sequences. Rob Zombie intentionally escalated the level of brutality compared to the original film, aiming to create an even more intense and frightening atmosphere. This has led to a debate among horror fans about the necessity of such explicit representations of violence in the genre. In conclusion, “Halloween – The Beginning” is a remake that sought to breathe new life into John Carpenter’s classic horror. With its darker narrative, extreme violence, and character insights, it has sparked discussions and debates among horror enthusiasts but has nevertheless contributed to enriching the mythology of the Halloween franchise.
